MON 1/15
Keepin’ the dream alive
Have the day off work in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day? Instead of watching Rosie’s latest antics on “The View,” celebrate the legendary civil rights leader. At the Martinmas Day Birthday Celebration, you can pay tribute while watching short films about King; Latin and African dance performances; puppet shows and more. 10 a.m. $1-$5. DuSable Museum of African American History, 740 E. 56th Pl. 773-947-0600.
Sitting pretty
With Valentine’s Day on the horizon, your solo status looms like a dark cloud. But take heart: Local spas plan to Love You all month. More than 40 city salons offer discounts on massages, waxes, facials and other spa services, with proceeds benefiting the Heart Truth organization. Score eyelash extensions at Rachel K Salon (45 E. Oak St.), a one-hour massage at Nirvana Nail Salon (3356 N. Broadway) and more. Hours vary. $59 per service. 312-435-9391. Through Feb. 15. Full list of participants: prettycity.com/love.
Laughing matter
The audience won’t always laugh on demand, but if you’re serious about standup, get on stage for comedy showcase and open-mic event Stand By Your Mic. Prefer to watch? See established and emerging comics perform. Also, nosh half-price appetizers and sip $2 Guinness drafts, $3 Fat Tire pints and $4 cocktails. With comedian Darius Kennedy and host Alex Orozco. 8:30 p.m. No cover. Mickey’s, 2450 N. Clark St. 773-435-0007.
Cognitive cleanup
Roller-coaster temperatures have your confused brain cells in a tizzy, but before you zone out for good, put those chaotic waves to good use at the Mental Graffiti Poetry Set. Start by presenting your own raucous verse during the open mic, then let Omaha slam champ Dan Leamen ease you back to earth. A slam competition wraps up the night. 7:30 p.m. $5. Funky Buddha Lounge, 728 W. Grand Ave. 312-666-1695.
TUE 1/16
Fruit of Africa
Did you nearly pass out in anticipation of Apple’s new iPhone last week? Sounds like you’re a techno-holic. Peek at another part of the world’s communication history at new exhibit, “AFRICA.dot.COM: Drums to Digital.” Featured works combine traditional African forms of communication, such as drums and textiles, with modern technology to illustrate the continent’s transition into the 21st Century. See photos, video, and textiles bearing images of cell phones and other technology. 9 a.m. Through Feb. 28. Free. Glass Curtain Gallery, Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave. 312-344-6643.
Lap it up
If your idea of exercise is running laps at walk-around wine tastings, then strap on your running shoes for this sporting event. Randolph Wine Cellars’ Third Tuesday Tasting: The Best of 2006 features more than 30 global favorites, including red, white and sparkling vintages. The evening also includes light appetizers and discounts on featured bottles of wine. Sounds like it’s worth an extra lap to us. 6 p.m. $30. 1415 W. Randolph St. 312-942-1212.
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metromix@tribune.com
